To achieve the Broadband Commission’s seven Advocacy Targets by 2025, assessing progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial for mobilizing commitments and resources. The SAMENA Council recently brought together leaders from various digital sectors to advance a sustainable digital ecosystem through mobile broadband technologies, inclusive partnerships, and strategies for digital inclusion. By expanding connectivity and digital services, unconnected communities can reap the benefits. Universal broadband remains a top priority, and four key dimensions of digital development are vital in driving progress:
- New Approaches to Connectivity: To bridge the digital divide for the 2.7 billion people without access, innovative methods of providing, funding, and financing connectivity must be explored. Collaboration between the digital communication industry and financial institutions is essential to unlock access to capital.
- Progressive Regulation: Creating a regulatory environment that promotes agility and fairness is crucial. This involves incentivizing infrastructure investments, reducing licensing fees and taxation, aligning with global efforts, and fostering equality. Regulatory agility can expedite administrative processes and encourage better collaboration between regulators and telecom operators.
- Cybersecurity: Safeguarding cyberspace is of utmost importance due to the increasing threat of cybercrime. Establishing trust, ensuring inclusive and secure cyberspace for all, and addressing the challenges of digital inclusiveness are critical for building digital trust and bridging the gender digital divide.
- Strengthening Telecom Operators: Telecom operators play a central role in societal and business development. It is essential to build resilient and adaptable networks capable of supporting new technologies and meeting global sustainable development goals. Governments should actively engage with network operators, viewing them as partners in nation-building rather than mere revenue generators.
